DIRECTOR, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

THE POSSIBLE ZONE

BOSTON, MA

Full Time(40 Hours/ Week)/ Exempt (Salaried)

The Possible Zone (TPZ), a non-profit organization, seeks a Director of Learning and Development to lead our training and development strategy, TPZ Academy, and deepen our robust Professional Development ethos. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of designing, managing, and executing comprehensive learning and development programs that enhance employee skills, foster career and organizational growth, and formalize the organization as thought leaders. This position requires outstanding leadership, creativity, and the ability to align learning and development strategies with the organization's overall goals and objectives. This is a hybrid role based in our Boston Innovation Center, with the expectation of working 2-3 days per week in our Boston office.

ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ZONE:

What if all young people could follow their dreams? What if they had the opportunity to design and launch a company or social-venture they were passionate about? What if they knew what an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, industrial designer, data scientist, marketing executive, electrical engineer, biotech researcher, advanced manufacturer, roboticist, game designer, journalist, nonprofit leader or mayor does and why? What if they were given the opportunity to intern in these positions and work settings while still in high school? And what if they had the chance to learn the foundational professional and technical skills needed to succeed in any of these careers? And very importantly, what if they develop a mindset, where their imagination and creativity can be fully explored, where everything is possible and where no boundaries exist? Would young people believe they could pursue these careers or any others they choose? Would they become what they had dreamed? 

At The Possible Zone, our resounding answer is YES! We are on a journey to develop a transformative model and facility in the heart of Boston’s most diverse and youth-populated communities.

TPZ is an eleven-year-old non-profit organization that has served well over 1,000 students with programming, internships and advisory services during high school toward the mission of economic equity. Our program has demonstrated strong impact in terms of high school graduation, matriculation into post-secondary education and careers, and strong Social Emotional Learning and Identity Development. As we further expand into Boston, TPZ Programming will catalyze a Boston Community Ecosystem that will include students, parents, high schools, community organizations, large corporations, local entrepreneurs, technology companies, venture capitalists, and postsecondary education institutions. Our intent is to join and continue to enhance a Student Ecosystem in Jackson Square and surrounding communities that are similar to those that have emerged in other Greater Boston areas such as Kendall Square and the Seaport District. Collectively we will dream, learn, work, and ultimately create leadership opportunities for economic mobility and prosperity for our students and their surrounding community. Importantly, TPZ is highly committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. And as we establish success in our Boston Headquarters, we will scale our efforts to replicate TPZ’s blueprint at a National level. 

We envision a program and space that serves tens-of-thousands of students over the next decade(s). When a student enters the program, they will be

… greeted, coached, taught, counseled and supported by highly trained, caring staff and partners in entrepreneurship and business, leadership and team building, passion and perseverance, learning and accountability and empathy and integrity.

… challenged to pursue their passions and launch ventures in everything from electronics, software, digital media, services, fashion, food, to consumer goods

… equipped with the life skills essential to thrive in the emerging economy

… building social networks through connection to professional mentoring and internships with hundreds of local companies

… supported when needed through wrap-around services in academic tutoring, ESL, mental health, food security, and college success by partner organizations 

Ultimately, through their experiences and growth at TPZ, and with our partners, our students will be prepared and inspired to attend college, alternative post-secondary education and launch careers in their community, where they will pursue their passions in business, STEAM, Community and Entrepreneurial organizations.

Our students - all students - deserve to pursue their passions and achieve economic equity.

CURRENT SCALING (WHAT’S NEXT?)

TPZ recently opened a 35,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center that can serve up to 1,000 students annually. The organization employs 60 professionals with plans to grow significantly in Boston and beyond in the coming years. TPZ offers a strong professional development ethos; a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture, innovative curriculum & pedagogy, and a commitment to excellence and student impact. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Possible Zone’s Director of Learning & Development (L&D) will build and lead the design, development, and implementation of an impactful, modern employee learning and organizational development strategy across various departments and functions throughout the organization. Reporting to the Chief Talent Officer, and in partnership with the Senior Director, Talent, and key leadership across the organization, this role will provide subject matter expertise and guidance on various topics, especially: manager and leadership development, thought leadership, career pathing, and innovation enablement. The ideal candidate is a charismatic and people-first leader with the desire and ability to grow and support our team members as we work together to ensure economic equity for young people.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• L&D Program Leadership: Spearhead the design, development, and oversight of internal L&D initiatives. Identify and bridge performance, skills, and competency gaps through innovative solutions, ensuring the development of current and emerging leaders in alignment with organizational goals.
• Strategic Collaboration:Partner and collaborate closely with other functions within People and Culture (Talent Business Partner, DEI, Recruitment, and Talent Operations) by designing and delivering comprehensive learning resources/guides to the entire employee lifecycle - onboarding, career development, team building, manager development, and leadership development programs.
• Content Development: Work alongside subject matter experts to craft engaging, impactful training content. Utilize diverse multimedia resources, workshops, and virtual learning environments to cater to various learning styles and preferences.
• LMS Management: Oversee the Learning Management System (LMS), setting standards for content delivery, evaluation, and reporting. Ensure the infrastructure supports all L&D programs effectively and efficiently.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and refine L&D content based on feedback and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement, relevance, and impact on organizational goals.
• Needs Assessment: Conduct thorough needs assessments to pinpoint skills gaps and training needs across the organization, incorporating industry trends and best practices to keep our programs cutting-edge.
• Metrics and Analysis: Develop and monitor key performance indicators for L&D efforts, analyzing data to inform data-driven enhancements and demonstrate the value and impact of training initiatives.
• Compliance and Standards: Ensure alignment of all training programs with industry regulations, legal requirements, and compliance standards, ensuring our organization not only meets but exceeds the necessary criteria for excellence and integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5-7 years of relevant experience, preferably in developing and facilitating training with small and large-size groups.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Business, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design, and e-learning technologies.
• Familiarity with training software, learning management systems (LMS), and digital learning tools. Experience with Cornerstone is a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in learning and development.
• Alignment with our mission and demonstrated commitment to core competencies.
• Successful track record of thinking strategically and executing methodically.
• Experience in a matrix organization or strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Entrepreneurial and analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable improvements.
• Ability to communicate across all levels of the organization. 
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all activities (see Statement below).

Compensation & Benefits:

The Possible Zone offers a robust compensation and benefits package including high-quality health benefits and an employer contribution to your 401(k) plan.

Salary range: $110,000-$125,000 commensurate with experience 

DEI Statement:

We believe every member of our team and student body deserves opportunities for growth, success and inclusion. We recognize that for many of our students, staff and communities, their life journeys run through oppressive structures and systems (e.g. classism, racism, sexism) — and that’s what makes our organizational culture and work so necessary and important.

We believe that diversity in perspective, backgrounds, ethnicities and lived experience is a strength, and from that strength, we can accomplish great things with the students we serve. Together as students, staff, organizations, communities, volunteers, and partners, we are intentional about creating safe spaces where all members can speak authentically and be themselves.

We are committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. As members of The Possible Zone community, our progression along this ongoing journey raises thoughtful questions, reveals biases, and opens conversations. We celebrate one another and are unified in our commitment to young people, excellence, and innovation. This work is our shared responsibility and our opportunity to welcome all members who share in our mission and strive to provide pathways that further prepare students in achieving their desired success.

COVID Vaccination Policy

The Possible Zone is requiring that all employees receive a primary series of COVID-19 vaccination as well as a booster dose. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen, and receives a booster dose when eligible. In order to be qualified for employment at The Possible Zone, final candidates must comply with the vaccination requirement or receive an approved exemption.